How about exploring Japan's countryside "satoyama", where people live in harmony with nature? A trip to Iiyama would be an unforgettable experience for you. The lake Hokuryu is a heart-shaped serene lake in a deep forest. You'll enjoy taxi driving along the Chikuma river, where you'll find many photogenic landscapes. Visiting a doll museum or some temples in Iiyama will also soothe your mind.
Iiyama Station
Iiyama has many Buddhist temples. We visit one of them.
Guide recommends the best restaurant you'll like. Would you like to try eel rice?
You will encounter cute dolls, all of which reflect local people's everyday life. You must be impressed with their comical expressions, clothes and lifestyles. All are peaceful and nostalgic.
Stopping by at the roadside station must be interesting. You will see various fresh products from nearby farms. Riding an e-bike to the roadside station along the Chikuma river must be also exciting.
We head for Iiyama Station, enjoying beautiful satoyama landscapes.
Your guide sees you off at the Shinkansen gate.
Iiyama Station
You will encounter the unbeaten countryside of Japan. We take a train trip to Iiyama. Riding on a local train must be exciting!! As for lunch, if you are interested, try Unajyu (broiled eel and steamed rice) or Sasazushi (vinegar rice on a bamboo leaf). The lake Hokuryu is a serene lake surrounded by deep forests. Staying for a while there will heal your mind and body. At the museum, you'll see how local people have lived harmoniously with nature.
Guide fee, Guide transportation fee (between Nagano and Iiyama)
E-bike rental fee (your group and your guide) ¥2,500/person, Takahashi Mayumi Doll Museum (your group) ¥650/person, Lunch
Basically, I am available on weekdays. But if you are planning to have a long tour including the weekend, please let me know. I think that I can be flexible. In addition to the guide fee, you are requested to pay my transportation to the meeting spot. Thank you for your understanding.
Please buy overseas travel insurance in case of emergency.
E-bike rental fee (you and your guide) ¥2,500/person, Takahashi Mayumi Doll Museum (your group) ¥650/person
Emi was wonderful and the best guide we could have asked for. She was nice, flexible, great sense of humor, and very accommodating. She was very knowledgeable about history, the region, the customs and the local cuisine. We truly enjoyed all of her recommendations and her going out of the way to ensure we bought the best souvenirs. We enjoyed both of our days with her, and if we come back, we would definitely book her services again!
Your family was wonderful guests to me, too. For the two days, I enjoyed your company very much. You had already learned many things about Japan, so your curiosity and great love for Japan has made me develop as a guide a lot. My dotted knowledge and experiences in my life were woven into loving silk strings through you. In that sense, you are beautiful silkworms, lol! I greatly thank you for everything, and I hope that you'll have many wonderful family trips. :)
Emi was a wonderful guide! She is very knowledgeable about the Nagano area. We truly enjoyed our day visiting the snow monkeys. Emi gave me frequent updates on weather, how to prepare, and was available for any questions. We then explored Nagano, ate local food, and went to a sake brewery. This was one of my favorite days in Japan! Thank you, Emi-san for a memorable experience!
Thank you very much for your wonderful review! I really enjoyed accompanying you. We detoured on the way and I cannot forget the soba lunch with you! Thank you for the warm-hearted memory. I wish you a merry Christmas and a new year filled with good health and happiness.
Emi was amazing! I initially booked the incorrect start time and she was more than willing to change it for us. She was thoughtful, well-prepared, and very knowledgeable. She customized the tour to meet our needs. I would highly recommend booking a tour with Emi, you won't regret it!
Thank you very much for choosing "Nagano Town Walk”. You kindly allowed me to do what I most wanted to do as a local guide. I was "super happy” walking with you two and showing my hometown around. Nothing would be better to me than my guests enjoyed my hometown! I won’t forget our pleasant walks before and after dusk. I sincerely appreciate your high recognition.
I hired the service of Emi for a two hours tour of Matsumoto Castle. We are a group of travelers who would like to learn in depth about the castle, focusing on its history, architecture and restoration. I have to say that Emi met our expectations comfortably. She was very meticulous in her planning; she proposed a detailed itinerary that includes info such as which parts of the castle is more interesting and which part is less crowded. She gave a good explanation about the history and restoration process using old pictures of the castle that she printed out in advance. Her English is also very good, loud and clear to understand. She's very friendly and prompt in her response, and she continue to reply our queries even after the tour. I will definitely hire her service again if I have a chance to visit the Nagano region in the future.
Hello Stanley, Thank you very much for taking time to write a good review on me. I understand that you have been busy operating your tours. I was very happy to be with you and your friendly customers on April 10th. Although the half of them had to turn back halfway because of the accident which occurred in another group, the rest of them who reached the top of the donjon enjoyed a fine view, the robust structures of the ceiling and the story of the goddess of 26 nights I narrated. In spite of the unexpected incident, you led the customers professionally, and your customers looked very satisfied with your services. I hope I can work with you again in the future. Congratulations on your hard work. Regards, Emi